this has been sitting on my computer for a couple of days...

I finally finished The Black Count: Glory, Revolution, Betrayal, and the Real Count of Monte Cristo. It was mostly awesome, which is high praise for nonfiction from me. Especially nonfiction that isn't a memoir or autobiography. So if you have any interest in how Alexandre Dumas' biracial father fared in revolutionary France... or in Napoleon, or the French Revolution itself, you should read it. It was fascinating. Be patient with the prologues, though; they will eventually end. That's the less awesome part.

I also read Sunshine, by Robin McKinley. I finished it, and didn't even begrudge the book's existence, but I'm not keeping it on my Kindle. I'm still trying to diagnose why I didn't love it. The ideas behind the world-building were interesting, although I think they were introduced in strangely lumpy ways. I liked most of the characters, and honestly, some of them could have been fleshed out more. (Hehe... fleshed out... vampire novel... okay, enough silliness.) Anyway, if you're really into (fictional) baking, vampires, and minimal (though still present) love triangles, maybe give it a try? Otherwise, eh.

In book and TV news, there's an adaptation of Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell on British TV now. I remember reading the book years ago and thinking, "Why all the hoopla for this?" Unlikely that I'll try the show, especially considering that I'd have to take some trouble to find it.

I've managed to watch eight episodes of Drop Dead Diva, which isn't exactly breathtaking speed, considering that I watched the first one two months ago. The second-hand embarrassment thing is a bit of a problem every once in a while, but so far I've genuinely enjoyed all of the episodes.

And now that season two of Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. is on Netflix, I may try that again. Having tried two episodes of s2 so far, I'm reminded of my dwindling appreciation for Agent Coulson, which could be a problem. I particular dislike his tendency to give speeches. *sigh*